Here it is, later than the site usually does its yearly "Best of" awards, but here all the same -- it's the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2017 Awards! On its ninth year now, the "Best of" awards spotlight the greatest and brightest in gaming through a wide selection of categories in top five and top ten form.
Our first category and list to kick the ceremony festivities off is the Top Five Best Original Soundtracks of 2017. Music is highly subjective in what's the best and what isn't, but I think we can all prefer the soundtrack selections on this list over a rendition of the Super Mario Bros. theme as played by fingernails scratching on a chalkboard or through hippo farts. Actually, the second one is a little promising... With that bit of class for a classy awards show, let's get to the top five soundtracks that I particularly enjoyed this past year. Changing the tradition a little, I've posted my five samples for each game soundtrack in embedded YouTube playlist form this time around.
5) Gravity Rush 2 (PS4)
Let's start the SuperPhillip Central Best of 2017 Awards with some style, Gravity Rush 2! The game, featuring a gravity-shifting protagonist named Kat, is a sequel to the PlayStation Vita original. That original game would get ported to the PS4, but now you're lucky to find it used for a sane cost. Regardless, one of the greater aspects of Gravity Rush 2 is its tremendous soundtrack, combining an orchestra with jazzy rhythm and melodies to create a sophisticated, memorable sound. If a soundtrack such as Gravity Rush 2 with its amazing score is but number five on this list, we're in for some great game music coming up!
4) Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana (PS4, Vita)
And that's exactly what we're getting with Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana. The Ys series routinely houses some of the finest music to come out of the land of the rising sun, despite being a niche series worldwide. A Nintendo Switch version is releasing this summer in North America while the PS4 and Vita versions await a patch to fix the wonky localization. All that aside, the tradition of high quality Ys soundtracks continues with Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana, coming with a deluge of harmonious, exquisite, and powerful tracks and themes for listeners in and out of the game to enjoy. It's always a pleasure to hear a new Ys soundtrack, and indeed that tradition also continued with Lacrimosa of Dana.
3) Sonic Mania (PS4, XB1, NSW, PC)
Tee Lopes is the composer behind the soundtrack of a game that delighted both modern and classic fans of Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic Mania sports both brand-new compositions that fit right in quite comfortably with all of the improved remixes from past classic Sonic games. You get some completely fresh themes heard in new zones like Studiopolis and Mirage Saloon that mesh nicely to the familiar remixed themes like Green Hill, Chemical Plant, Hydrocity, Lava Reef, and Metallic Madness. Sonic Mania is the only digital-only game on this list of best original soundtracks, and that's because the quality is of insane proportions. A love letter to Sonic the Hedgehog game fans is also a love letter to those who enjoyed the music of the series when they were young.
2) Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (NSW)
We go from a retro-inspired wonder to a completely epic game with a score that shakes listeners to their very core. It's Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and sitting through the sometimes hackneyed acting and scenarios in the game is made worth it by the exceptional music (oh, and I guess that small thing called "gameplay.") Whether you're embroiled in battle with one of the many rocking tunes that plays while fending off creatures both big and small (and every other size in between) or venturing through open plains, vistas, and city streets, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a treat for the ears. Better yet, the original composers from the first Xenoblade Chronicles are back to weave their skillful tunes, and they do so better than ever. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 most definitely does not disappoint in the music department.
1) Super Mario Odyssey (NSW)
Sometimes it's just cheery music with a drop of insanely catchy melodies that wins me over, and that's exactly why Super Mario Odyssey is my number one pick for the best original soundtrack. While Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 might have more themes that I adore (they are, after all, my personal favorite game soundtracks), Odyssey is by no means a slouch, as it delivers tune after tune I cherish. From its main theme in Fossil Falls to the awesome scene where Jump Up, Super Star plays, the music is incredibly special and fits every kingdom, gameplay scenario, and area it plays in. The quality of music this year has been phenomenal, and the 3D Mario series continues to routinely have some of the best music in video game history. This has not changed at all with Super Mario Odyssey, winner of SuperPhillip Central's Best Original Soundtrack award.
Showing posts with label xenoblade chronicles 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label xenoblade chronicles 2. Show all posts
Monday, January 22, 2018
Monday, December 25, 2017
SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs - "Merry Christmas 2017" Edition
Merry Christmas from the SuperPhillip Central family to each and every one of you! I hope it was a wonderful holiday spent with friends, family, or even just a relaxing day work-free day by yourself. For everyone else who doesn't celebrate, I hope it was simply a happy Monday.
This week on the final 2017 edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, we begin with a recent release in the form of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Then, we get nice and Christmas-y with some winter-themed tunes from I am Setsuna and Yooka-Laylee. Get ready to dress up to your best ability with our next game, Style Savvy: Trendsetters, and then if the cold weather is already getting to you, let's fly away to Isle Delfino in Super Mario Sunshine!
Click on the VGM Database to get a look (and listen) at every song ever featured on the weekly recurring article series. Now, let's get on to the music!
v1531. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (NSW) - Gormott Province (Day)
We begin this Christmas edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs with the most recent release included today. It's Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for the Nintendo Switch, and it's a glorious return to the classical music style of the original instead of the electronica heavy sound of X. (Though that soundtrack had a lot of winners too.) Gormott Province is essentially the Gaur Plains of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the piece for the first major exploratory area in the game. It takes a bit to get to my favorite part of this theme, but once it gets there, the wait is most certainly worth it.
v1532. I am Setsuna (PS4, NSW, Vita) - A Fantastic Encounter
Square Enix's Tokyo RPG Factory, the developer behind I am Setsuna, is preparing to release its next title in the new year with Lost Sphear. While I am Setsuna nailed the ambiance, environments, and especially the music, what it failed to do was to create a game that truly enamors players with its gameplay mechanics. It's a shame since these themes, such as this battle one, are composed so wonderfully. It's like newly fallen snowfall in the woods, idyllic and beautiful.
v1533. Yooka-Laylee (Multi) - Glitterglaze Glacier
When I read that several ex-Rare employees (and ex-staff on one of my favorite 3D platformers ever, Banjo-Kazooie) were getting together to form their own company to create a spiritual successor to same game, I was excited beyond measure. The end result, Yooka-Laylee, strays a bit too closely to Banjo-Kazooie in some really obvious and almost downright blatant ways, but overall, I did enjoy the game. One reason for that was Grant Kirkhope's (Banjo-Kazooie's original composer) spectacular score, such as this piece for the second major world in Yooka-Laylee, Glitterglaze Glacier. Yes, this and the battle theme of I am Setsuna really evoke some warm holiday feelings!
v1534. Style Savvy: Trendsetters (3DS) - Opening
Today sees the North American digital-only release of Style Savvy: Styling Star on the Nintendo 3DS. Seems like a perfect opportunity than any other to wrap ourselves in our favorite stylistic sweaters and listen to some pop sound from the second game in the series, Style Savvy: Trendsetters. This entry introduced the series to the Nintendo 3DS in a big way, such as adding men clients to take on styling challenges for. As for this opening theme, it's positively perky and keeps me bouncing and bumping around this Christmas evening.
v1535. Super Mario Sunshine (GCN) - Sky & Sea
And what Christmas celebration would be complete without Mario? Rather than doing a cliche snow level pick, I chose the complete opposite: Super Mario Sunshine, a game located completely on a tropical isle! With how cold it is outside here at SuperPhillip Central HQ, I'd prefer to lounging on the warm beach sands of Isle Delfino right about now -- even if Bowser and his son decide to make a return trip! Sky & Sea plays during special bonus stages like the dreaded pachinko machine and poison river! But don't think ill of this song; it just goes to show how a catchy number can soften the blows of frustration one can get tackling these sometimes seemingly impossible challenges.
This week on the final 2017 edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs, we begin with a recent release in the form of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Then, we get nice and Christmas-y with some winter-themed tunes from I am Setsuna and Yooka-Laylee. Get ready to dress up to your best ability with our next game, Style Savvy: Trendsetters, and then if the cold weather is already getting to you, let's fly away to Isle Delfino in Super Mario Sunshine!
Click on the VGM Database to get a look (and listen) at every song ever featured on the weekly recurring article series. Now, let's get on to the music!
v1531. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (NSW) - Gormott Province (Day)
We begin this Christmas edition of SuperPhillip Central's Favorite VGMs with the most recent release included today. It's Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for the Nintendo Switch, and it's a glorious return to the classical music style of the original instead of the electronica heavy sound of X. (Though that soundtrack had a lot of winners too.) Gormott Province is essentially the Gaur Plains of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the piece for the first major exploratory area in the game. It takes a bit to get to my favorite part of this theme, but once it gets there, the wait is most certainly worth it.
v1532. I am Setsuna (PS4, NSW, Vita) - A Fantastic Encounter
Square Enix's Tokyo RPG Factory, the developer behind I am Setsuna, is preparing to release its next title in the new year with Lost Sphear. While I am Setsuna nailed the ambiance, environments, and especially the music, what it failed to do was to create a game that truly enamors players with its gameplay mechanics. It's a shame since these themes, such as this battle one, are composed so wonderfully. It's like newly fallen snowfall in the woods, idyllic and beautiful.
v1533. Yooka-Laylee (Multi) - Glitterglaze Glacier
When I read that several ex-Rare employees (and ex-staff on one of my favorite 3D platformers ever, Banjo-Kazooie) were getting together to form their own company to create a spiritual successor to same game, I was excited beyond measure. The end result, Yooka-Laylee, strays a bit too closely to Banjo-Kazooie in some really obvious and almost downright blatant ways, but overall, I did enjoy the game. One reason for that was Grant Kirkhope's (Banjo-Kazooie's original composer) spectacular score, such as this piece for the second major world in Yooka-Laylee, Glitterglaze Glacier. Yes, this and the battle theme of I am Setsuna really evoke some warm holiday feelings!
v1534. Style Savvy: Trendsetters (3DS) - Opening
Today sees the North American digital-only release of Style Savvy: Styling Star on the Nintendo 3DS. Seems like a perfect opportunity than any other to wrap ourselves in our favorite stylistic sweaters and listen to some pop sound from the second game in the series, Style Savvy: Trendsetters. This entry introduced the series to the Nintendo 3DS in a big way, such as adding men clients to take on styling challenges for. As for this opening theme, it's positively perky and keeps me bouncing and bumping around this Christmas evening.
v1535. Super Mario Sunshine (GCN) - Sky & Sea
And what Christmas celebration would be complete without Mario? Rather than doing a cliche snow level pick, I chose the complete opposite: Super Mario Sunshine, a game located completely on a tropical isle! With how cold it is outside here at SuperPhillip Central HQ, I'd prefer to lounging on the warm beach sands of Isle Delfino right about now -- even if Bowser and his son decide to make a return trip! Sky & Sea plays during special bonus stages like the dreaded pachinko machine and poison river! But don't think ill of this song; it just goes to show how a catchy number can soften the blows of frustration one can get tackling these sometimes seemingly impossible challenges.
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Top Ten Most Wanted Nintendo Switch Games
After Friday's scathing article about the similarities between the Switch and the Wii U, let's go for something more positive about Nintendo's upcoming console. Nintendo seldom falters when it comes to the games, and with this list of the ten games that SuperPhillip Central is most anticipating from the Switch reveal, that line of thinking of continues. Now, let's get the "Whoa, the Switch actually has ten games coming out?!" jokes aside. As you'll see with this list, there are some interesting games coming to Nintendo's new console. After checking out SuperPhillip Central's picks, which games are you most anticipating?
10) ARMS
Nintendo doesn't always introduce new franchises of this scope and highlight them as much as they did with ARMS, a near-launch Switch game in development. ARMS has a lot of colorful personality to it and features one-on-one battles where players sling their arms out, hoping to deal damage to their opponent. In addition to controlling the direction and arc of their arm attacks, players can also block, all done using the Joycons. Motion controls aren't mandatory either, allowing players to choose between control styles at their leisure. Between the lovely art style, current features, and future details, ARMS is looking like quite the new franchise on Switch.
9) Fast RMX
A Wii U exclusive by the proficient graphical geniuses at Shin'en, Fast Racing NEO was one of the system's most impressive indie titles. Now, the game is hitting the Switch with 30 tracks, up to four player split-screen, and online for up to eight players. Through switching between two differently colored auras for their vehicles, players can take advantage of boosts and more in intensely fast races. Though inspired by other futuristic racers like F-Zero and Wipeout, Fast RMX is its own entirely different beast. With all of the new content available and all in gloriously improved graphics, Fast RMX is the definitive version of Shin'en's futuristic racer.
8) Sonic Mania
Sega turned to the creators of the excellent Sonic CD HD port and Sonic 2 iOS and Android release to create a brand-new 2D Sonic for them. This is none other than Sonic Mania, a game that introduces plenty of newness to the Sonic formula, such as a new Drop Dash technique that has Sonic drop down from midair and enter a spin dash in effortless fashion. Zones both old and new make an appearance in Sonic Mania, but even familiar places like Green Hill Zone have gotten serious facelifts and new mechanics and features added into them. What we're getting with Sonic Mania is a modern 2D platformer that finally is worth the Sonic name.
7) Fire Emblem Warriors
Ever since The Legend of Zelda and the Dynasty Warriors franchises combined into one fantastic game with Hyrule Warriors, many Musou and Fire Emblem fans have clamored for a crossover with the Fire Emblem franchise. With the Nintendo Switch presentation on Thursday night, fans got that very wish granted with Fire Emblem Warriors. Who knows what who's who of familiar Fire Emblem faces will be showcased in this awesome combination of Fire Emblem and Dynasty Warriors? Thankfully, we might not have to wait long to get a taste of this much anticipated crossover when Fire Emblem gets its very own Nintendo Direct next week.
6) Super Bomberman R
Finally, Bomberman is back, and he's looking absolutely sensational. Super Bomberman R not only sees Bomberman's return to the console space with this Switch exclusive, but it also sees many original Bomberman staff working on this new game. SuperPhillip Central can't think of any better game to showcase the multiplayer experience that Nintendo's Switch promises-- whether it's sharing the same screen TV-wise or huddling around the Switch controller screen miles away from home. Containing the same timeless Bomberman gameplay and a brand-new story mode, Super Bomberman R is very much an anticipated game around SuperPhillip Central.
5) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Despite not containing any new racing tracks (there goes that leak's rumor), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features plenty to perhaps double dip for. This includes a revamped Battle Mode including traditional arenas instead of large race tracks, new characters like Bowser Jr. and King Boo, and even new items like the feather from Super Mario Kart and the Boo power-up. Given an April 28th release date, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive edition of Mario Kart 8, featuring all of the aforementioned new content and all of the content from the Wii U game, including all DLC. There's no better excuse to rev one's engines and return to the wild and wonderful racing world of Mario Kart 8 once again with the Nintendo Switch port.
4) Splatoon 2
The original Splatoon was a massive surprise for gamers and a massive success for Nintendo. It was a totally fresh third-person shooter that focused less on terminating your enemies and more on painting the map with as much of your team's ink as possible. Then, there was the agility of the gameplay and massive mobility offered through turning into a squid to swim through the ink and get the jump on the other team. Splatoon 2 offers the familiar gameplay of the original, but offering new maps, weapons, clothes, and more presumably once we hear more about the game in the future. One thing that seems likely is a brand-new campaign to enjoy, which was masterfully done in the original. Planned for Summer 2017, Splatoon 2 should delight many Switch owners when it releases.
3) Xenoblade Chronicles 2
The team at Monolith Soft once again show off their ability to create wondrous worlds with Xenoblade Chronicles 2. This massive RPG is a sequel to the Wii and New Nintendo 3DS original instead of a side story like the Wii U game, Xenoblade Chronicles X, was. Instead of a darker tone, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a more anime-inspired, lighter appearance. Regardless, the game should be yet another one from Monolith Soft that sees players lost in the world and game for hundreds of hours. Currently scheduled for 2017, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is shaping up to be a delightful gem in the Switch's library.
2) Super Mario Odyssey
Few trailers in the past year or two has made it where I smiled and giggled during it. Super Mario Odyssey's debut trailer was one of those that did. Showing Mario looking his best in a variety of locales such as a New York City-inspired metropolis, a mysterious forest, and a low poly world full of vegetables, Super Mario Odyssey's debut trailer delivered visual splendor and a whole host of interesting mechanics. This includes Mario's greater mobility, and his ability to take off his cap and use it to take out enemies and jump on it like it was a small platform. Though not playable at the Nintendo Switch event due to its Holiday 2017 release period, Super Mario Odyssey is one of SuperPhillip Central's most anticipated Switch games, as the team behind the game has earned the trust of gamers for constantly providing masterful titles.
1) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Also available on the Wii U, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Switch version has improved load times and also some improvements graphically over the Wii U version. Though, that was to be expected! Nonetheless, Breath of the Wild received a new trailer blowing the lid off the game, showcasing new areas, wonderful voice acting (the final version is dubbed in multiple languages), the return of Gorons and Zoras, and tremendous action in the game's gorgeous open world setting. It's been years since Nintendo teased a new Zelda adventure for the Wii U (and now Switch), and now The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is finally coming in less than two months on March 3rd to both Nintendo Switch and Wii U.
10) ARMS
Nintendo doesn't always introduce new franchises of this scope and highlight them as much as they did with ARMS, a near-launch Switch game in development. ARMS has a lot of colorful personality to it and features one-on-one battles where players sling their arms out, hoping to deal damage to their opponent. In addition to controlling the direction and arc of their arm attacks, players can also block, all done using the Joycons. Motion controls aren't mandatory either, allowing players to choose between control styles at their leisure. Between the lovely art style, current features, and future details, ARMS is looking like quite the new franchise on Switch.
9) Fast RMX
A Wii U exclusive by the proficient graphical geniuses at Shin'en, Fast Racing NEO was one of the system's most impressive indie titles. Now, the game is hitting the Switch with 30 tracks, up to four player split-screen, and online for up to eight players. Through switching between two differently colored auras for their vehicles, players can take advantage of boosts and more in intensely fast races. Though inspired by other futuristic racers like F-Zero and Wipeout, Fast RMX is its own entirely different beast. With all of the new content available and all in gloriously improved graphics, Fast RMX is the definitive version of Shin'en's futuristic racer.
8) Sonic Mania
Sega turned to the creators of the excellent Sonic CD HD port and Sonic 2 iOS and Android release to create a brand-new 2D Sonic for them. This is none other than Sonic Mania, a game that introduces plenty of newness to the Sonic formula, such as a new Drop Dash technique that has Sonic drop down from midair and enter a spin dash in effortless fashion. Zones both old and new make an appearance in Sonic Mania, but even familiar places like Green Hill Zone have gotten serious facelifts and new mechanics and features added into them. What we're getting with Sonic Mania is a modern 2D platformer that finally is worth the Sonic name.
7) Fire Emblem Warriors
Ever since The Legend of Zelda and the Dynasty Warriors franchises combined into one fantastic game with Hyrule Warriors, many Musou and Fire Emblem fans have clamored for a crossover with the Fire Emblem franchise. With the Nintendo Switch presentation on Thursday night, fans got that very wish granted with Fire Emblem Warriors. Who knows what who's who of familiar Fire Emblem faces will be showcased in this awesome combination of Fire Emblem and Dynasty Warriors? Thankfully, we might not have to wait long to get a taste of this much anticipated crossover when Fire Emblem gets its very own Nintendo Direct next week.
6) Super Bomberman R
Finally, Bomberman is back, and he's looking absolutely sensational. Super Bomberman R not only sees Bomberman's return to the console space with this Switch exclusive, but it also sees many original Bomberman staff working on this new game. SuperPhillip Central can't think of any better game to showcase the multiplayer experience that Nintendo's Switch promises-- whether it's sharing the same screen TV-wise or huddling around the Switch controller screen miles away from home. Containing the same timeless Bomberman gameplay and a brand-new story mode, Super Bomberman R is very much an anticipated game around SuperPhillip Central.
5) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Despite not containing any new racing tracks (there goes that leak's rumor), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features plenty to perhaps double dip for. This includes a revamped Battle Mode including traditional arenas instead of large race tracks, new characters like Bowser Jr. and King Boo, and even new items like the feather from Super Mario Kart and the Boo power-up. Given an April 28th release date, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the definitive edition of Mario Kart 8, featuring all of the aforementioned new content and all of the content from the Wii U game, including all DLC. There's no better excuse to rev one's engines and return to the wild and wonderful racing world of Mario Kart 8 once again with the Nintendo Switch port.
4) Splatoon 2
The original Splatoon was a massive surprise for gamers and a massive success for Nintendo. It was a totally fresh third-person shooter that focused less on terminating your enemies and more on painting the map with as much of your team's ink as possible. Then, there was the agility of the gameplay and massive mobility offered through turning into a squid to swim through the ink and get the jump on the other team. Splatoon 2 offers the familiar gameplay of the original, but offering new maps, weapons, clothes, and more presumably once we hear more about the game in the future. One thing that seems likely is a brand-new campaign to enjoy, which was masterfully done in the original. Planned for Summer 2017, Splatoon 2 should delight many Switch owners when it releases.
3) Xenoblade Chronicles 2
The team at Monolith Soft once again show off their ability to create wondrous worlds with Xenoblade Chronicles 2. This massive RPG is a sequel to the Wii and New Nintendo 3DS original instead of a side story like the Wii U game, Xenoblade Chronicles X, was. Instead of a darker tone, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a more anime-inspired, lighter appearance. Regardless, the game should be yet another one from Monolith Soft that sees players lost in the world and game for hundreds of hours. Currently scheduled for 2017, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is shaping up to be a delightful gem in the Switch's library.
2) Super Mario Odyssey
Few trailers in the past year or two has made it where I smiled and giggled during it. Super Mario Odyssey's debut trailer was one of those that did. Showing Mario looking his best in a variety of locales such as a New York City-inspired metropolis, a mysterious forest, and a low poly world full of vegetables, Super Mario Odyssey's debut trailer delivered visual splendor and a whole host of interesting mechanics. This includes Mario's greater mobility, and his ability to take off his cap and use it to take out enemies and jump on it like it was a small platform. Though not playable at the Nintendo Switch event due to its Holiday 2017 release period, Super Mario Odyssey is one of SuperPhillip Central's most anticipated Switch games, as the team behind the game has earned the trust of gamers for constantly providing masterful titles.
1) The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Also available on the Wii U, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild's Switch version has improved load times and also some improvements graphically over the Wii U version. Though, that was to be expected! Nonetheless, Breath of the Wild received a new trailer blowing the lid off the game, showcasing new areas, wonderful voice acting (the final version is dubbed in multiple languages), the return of Gorons and Zoras, and tremendous action in the game's gorgeous open world setting. It's been years since Nintendo teased a new Zelda adventure for the Wii U (and now Switch), and now The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is finally coming in less than two months on March 3rd to both Nintendo Switch and Wii U.
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